Archive for the 'Miss Q' Category

I’m sure that you have noticed that things have slowed down around here… mostly a response to the fact that life outside of Miss Q has reached break-neck speed. Following along with my recent ramblings, you may have picked up on some of the big changes happening in my life.

Five months ago, I got engaged! I will become Mrs. Q October 9th of this year – and I cannot be more thrilled. Wedding plans are coming together. Most big decisions have been made and now it’s time for all of the DIY projects I have taken on (probably way more than I can handle). It’s been a blast – crazy, but a blast nevertheless.

Two months ago, I graduated with my masters in special education. Finished my thesis project, took more Praxis exams (still have one more to take – my eighth), and walked across the stage more done with school then I’ve ever felt in my life. Until…

One month ago, I got my first teaching job. I will be teaching middle school math at a special education school in East Nashville. I’ve never taught middle schoolers, never taught just math, and never taught at a special education school. But after the principal canceled several interviews after mine just to offer me the job, they must trust me and I’m learning to trust myself in this endeavor as well. Now to begin setting up my classroom, my rules, my routines, my supplies, my library, my math manipulatives, my reputation as a teacher, my expectations for my students, my confidence…

Three weeks to go until I am officially a teacher.

Three months to go until I am officially a Mrs. :)

And all that means, I’m worn out! My body and mind are exhausted. During the past 6 weeks, I have been to Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, and North Carolina. This weekend I’m off to Chicago. I have inservice after inservice. Meetings with the baker, the florist, the stylist, and the candlestick maker (well, not really, but it feels like I should). I’m wrapping invations in raffia, canning wedding favors, crafting bulletin boards, and trying to get through as many of my “lists” as possible.

This is not a “my life is harder/busier/more hectic” than yours. Truthfully, I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had! Being engaged, starting a new job, catching up with family and friends – this is FUN!

But it makes time-sensitive blogging hard. I feel like I’m letting you down when I don’t get the match-ups up right away or when I don’t have a chance to post the best deals. PLUS, there are so many people out there who are doing the same and are doing it so much better than I can at the moment. So I’ve made a decision…

I’m going to take some time… time to become the best teacher, future wife, and sane person I can be. Take some time to breathe, go for a run, read a book, travel the world (okay – I’ve gone too far :)

AND I’M OKAY WITH THAT. (fyi: that was in bold more to convince me than you)

I’m going to continue to post some recipes as I use this site as a personal recipe book. I’m going to post random personal posts, maybe a few wedding or classroom updates. I’m going to post a shopping trip or two. But I’m going to steer away from anything time-sensitive. The pressure to post such material has just gotten to be too much. It’s time to simplify.

And in that spirit, I’m urge you to check back every once in awhile. But I also encourage you to check out some of my other favorite blogs to pick up on where I’m leaving off…

Southern Savers – Again, Jenny gets these up every Friday before the Sunday sale. It’s awesome!

Kingdom First Mom – She hosts a $5 CVS challenge each week, so check there for scenarios.

Deal Seeking Mom – She hosts a link-up for the CVS ad. It’s a great place to find out CVS-ers.

For OTHER stores:

Money Saving Mom – One of the best out there for blog collaboration. Check the side bar to find nearly any store in the country!

ONE FINAL NOTE: Thank you! I have been at this just under a year and the site has gotten over 60,000 hits! Thank you for reading, for commenting, and for encouraging me. I will continue to write and I hope you continue to read. Know that I appreciate you, as readers, followers, and friends.

I’m in Wilmington, North Carolina for the week. Enjoying the sweet stories and laughter of my 94-year old grandfather. My mom and I are making meals, giving meds, and just plain listenin’ – and it’s glorious and restful. I’m reading wedding books, making lists, designing my classroom for the fall, and napping.

We have a bit of internet from a wireless stick my Mom has, but it’s terribly spotty and we’re sharing it. I will have CVS, Kroger, Publix, and HT match-ups for you when I can this week. Leave a comment if you prefer one over the others and I will shift priorities. Thank you, faithful readers!

I’ll leave you with some pictures of my sweet (and extremely sarcastic) 94-year-old great grandfather…

As many of you know, the first weekend of May brought a thousand-year flood to middle Tennessee. Many businesses and homes were destroyed and families displaced. As a result, local food banks have seen a 50% increase in the number of families requesting emergency food.

This greater demands calls for Nashville residents to step up to the plate and help out. As a couponer, I have plenty of extras every week and those extras are certainly in need now. Can you help?

Wow! We had a whirlwind of a weekend! We spent the weekend in New Jersey at my parents’ home. They so graciously threw us an engagement party on Saturday and we had the opportunity to spend time with some of our family and friends. We had a blast!

But that meant that last week was full of errands, preparations, and craft projects to get ready for the party. I literally made (thanks to Mary and her pink Singer sewing machine) cloth napkins, printed pictures, made wall art, etc etc etc. It was a crazy week – but culminated in a great party!

So I’m back. This summer is just getting away from me! It’s 111 days until we get married, 6 weeks until I start my job, and we’re hitting at least three more states between now and then. I’m going to try my best to keep up with things, but you know how life goes. Things these days seem so unexpected but I’m loving engaged life and it’s SO worth it!

Coming up tomorrow…

Kroger Match-ups

CVS Match-ups and a Scenario

Monday Meals

Worth a Read

Last week’s Shopping Summary

Hopefully I’ll get caught up on recipes and tips, too! They are piling up. But remember, if you ever have a question, do not hesitate to leave a comment or shoot me an email (a link on the side).

We had a fabulous weekend in Ohio watching Mr. Q’s sisters graduate and spending time with his family! It was quick, but wonderful. This coming weekend, Mr. Q is off to Boston for a bachelor party. And the following weekend is our engagement party in New Jersey! And it doesn’t stop there… In July, we hit Florida, North Carolina, and Illinois.

And the best news yet… I got a job!!! I went to interview for a position last Thursday morning and less than 2 hours later, the principal called me to offer me the middle school math teaching job. I’m pumped! I loved the staff and principal I interviewed with, and though I never thought I’d be teaching middle school or just math, I can’t get over how perfect I think it will be for me. It’s 20 minutes away from my apartment and I will have 9-11 students on my caseload. It’s just so amazing how God works for the good of His children.

And lastly… my meal plan is a bit different this week. I’ve been feeling quite gross/yucky as summer as approached. I think it’s the hot and sticky weather of Nashville in combination with the constant eating that comes with working from home. So I’ve decided (after much thought) to participate in a detox of sorts. I will start on Wednesday at 6pm and end the following Wednesday.

I’m using the Diva Detox plan which incorporates mostly fruits and greens. I’m excited about it and think it’ll be great for my body. As I usually do, I will continue to cook for Mr. Q (I’m home for the summer, he’s still working) – but with him out of town this weekend, it seems like perfect timing.I am going to do my shopping without much attention to the bill. I’ve been saving hundreds of dollars a month to build my stockpile. I’m going to put those savings toward something good for my body and mind this week.

If you would like to join me or want more updates/info about this, let me know! I’d love to have company :)

I’m sure you are aware of the recent flooding disaster that Nashville (and surrounding areas) have undergone. Luckily, I live on a hill and on the 3rd floor and suffered no damage. However, many of my friends and fellow church-members sustained substantial damage to their own homes. The future-Mr.Q and I were able to help out last weekend at a friends – taking out dry wall, soaked insulation, and hundreds of nails. The whole first floor of the house must be redone. As you drive through these neighborhoods, all you see is mounds of debris. The guts of the house are lying on the front lawn.

The Opryland Hotel and the Grand Ol’ Opry are severely damaged. Even our reception venue’s basement flooded as it is right downtown on the river. But Nashville has come together in a way that I’ve never seen before. People, hoards and hoards of people, are raising their hands, their hammers, and their hopes. It’s truly amazing! As one site said, “You can’t keep a good town down!” It’s so true.

So 54 restaurants have gotten together to make a financial contribution to the Nashville relief efforts. TONIGHT – these restaurants will donate 50% of their profit to the effort. That is astounding!

I think we’re foregoing the spicy corn chowder tonight to help in the “Eat Out for Nashville” campaign. The following restaurants are participating:

Have you missed me!? Well… I’ve been (and still am) quite sick. Not sure with what – but I have an awfully achy throat and a need to sleep ALL the time! I think my body is finally having its way with me after all the stress it’s endured this semester. And in the meantime, I graduated from grad school on Friday and had my first job interview. It’s been quite a week. Pray that I feel better soon – this is quite gross.

I’m going to get a few things up tonight and will hopefully catch up tomorrow. Kroger and CVS match-ups next. Shopping Summary, Worth a Read, and some recipes are coming. As my temperature goes down, the posts will speed up :)

MISS Q…

Miss Q is here to save your money and your time! The site will offer you not only store match-ups, but recipes, tips, and freebies designed specifically for singles and couples. Click around, try it out, and begin your savings journey.